Robert Magnall was born in 1880 in Burnley, the son of William Magnall (GM054) and Frances Anderson. What is confusing is that the Register of Births and the 1881 Census record him as Obadiah whereas subsequent documents record him as Robert. It would be useful to obtain his birth certificate at some point!
The 1881 Census records that Obadiah (Robert) was living at 32 Lord Street, Habergham Eaves with his family – he was 9 months old.
The 1891 Census shows that Robert was 10 years old and living with the rest of his family at 29 Gresham Place in Burnley.
The 1901 Census records his name as Obadiah, he is now 20 years old still living with his parents at 144 Sandygate in Burnley and working as an organ builder. There were two Organ Builders in Burnley in 1908, J. Driver & Co of Hammerton Street (went bankrupt in about 1927) and Smith & Co of 13 Hart Street.
Robert married Clara Farrow on the 21st April 1906 (from Army record). The RoM gives Burnley 1906 Q2 8e 540 and I hope to order a copy of the certificate shortly.
Robert and Clara had a son who they called Lancelot (DM021). He was born on 16th May 1907 (from Army record). The RoB gives Burnley 1907 Q2 8e 234. I believe that Lancelot later married Edna James (RoM Burnley 1928 Q3 8e 625).
Army Service Record for Robert Magnall (EM215)
| Robert Magnall | Coldstream Guards |
| 26 Lisbon Street | |
| Burnley | |
| Age | 38 years 2 months |
| Trade | Organ Builder |
| Married | Yes |
| Certificate | 7 June 1916 |
16 Sep 1916 (stamped)
Descriptive Report
| Age | 38 years 2 months |
| Height | 5 ft 8 1/2 inches |
| Chest | girth 40 inches |
| expansion 4 inches |
| Name and address of next of kin | Clara Magnall – wife |
| 26 Lisbon Street, Burnley |
Marriage details
| Clara Farrow | 21st April 1906 | 26 Lisbon Street |
|
(Spinster)
|
Burnley
|
Burnley
|
Children
| Lancelot | 16 May 1907 | Burnley |
Military History Sheet
Home 7-9-16 – 7-12-16
| General Service | Attested | 7-6-16 | |
| To Army Reserve | 8-6-16 | ||
| Mobilised | 7-9-16 | ||
| Coldstream Guard | Posted Pte | 7-9-16 | |
| Caterham | 8-9-16 | ||
| Discharged Pte | 9-12-16 | No longer fit for war service | |
| Total service | 184 days |
Chelsea no. 150947
| Coldstream Guards | 5th (Res) Bn. |
| Date of discharge | 7-12-16 |
| Age on Commencement | 38 |
| Trade | Organ builder |
| Address | 26 Lisbon St. Burnley Lancs |
| Character | Good |
| Place of birth | Burnley Lancs |
| Cause of discharge | Medically unfit. Syphilis |
| Report | 16-11-16 |
“Originated about 13 years ago at Richmond Hill, Lancs.
Not result of, + not aggravated by Military Service”
Permanent Prevents 1/4 at present
Submitted as eligible for
gratuity under clause 7(7)
Royal Warrant 1917
Robert died in 1941 at the age of 59 and was buried at Burnley Cemetery in grave ref. NE8831 on the 26th June 1941. They were living at 35 Lisbon Street at the time of his death. Clara lived until she was 71 years old dying in 1956 and buried in the same grave as Robert on the 7th December 1956. Their son Lancelot only survived Clara by 2 1/2 years, he was buried on the 8th July 1959.
[Last updated 28 Dec 2011]